Toyota Prius PHV

The prototypes of plug-in hybrid vehicles recharged from an external power grid were used by Toyota to obtain information on customers' requirements for cars of this type and to find the optimal balance between mileage, charging time, size and cost of the battery.

At the first stage since 2007, 20 cars were used, which were leased to public and private organizations ^[12] . These were the usual Prius models in which an additional nickel-metal hydride battery was placed under the boot floor, recharged by connecting to a standard electrical outlet. With a large supply of electricity, the car was able to drive on electric traction longer and at higher speed. All this allowed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, compared with a conventional hybrid car ^[13] .

In December 2009, shortly after the release of the third generation Prius , its rechargeable version appeared. 600 cars were leased to various organizations around the world ^[12] . The purpose of this company was to obtain data on the actual operating conditions of such cars, information on the expectations of future owners, as well as an assessment of the reliability, durability and performance of a lithium-ion battery . The new battery was developed at Toyota and manufactured at a joint venture with Panasonic ^[14] .

All test cars had special equipment that recorded data on when and how often the car is being charged, battery level, travel time, and the ratio of electric travel time to movement from the internal combustion engine . As a result, it was found that 90% of trips did not exceed 25 kilometers, and a third of owners once a week traveled more than 100 kilometers. Prius PHV drivers spent on average 36% less fuel than the best diesel cars in the class and 50% less than the best gasoline cars in the class, while for some the average fuel consumption dropped to 2 liters per 100 kilometers ^[7] .

Designed to meet the needs of urban residents, the Prius PHV rechargeable hybrid could only drive about 25 kilometers with an electric speed of no more than 80 km / h. As soon as the battery level reached a critical level, the internal combustion engine started automatically, which allowed it to move on. The driver did not have to worry about whether the car could reach its destination or change the driving style in order to save some more energy ^[15] .

A longer period of driving on electric traction made the car more economical, it consumed fuel 45% less than the basic Prius model. In a mixed driving mode, from an electric motor and an engine, a lithium-ion battery collected more energy during regenerative braking , charged faster, and allowed the car to switch to electric mode more often, which also saved fuel ^[16] .

The battery could be fully charged for 2.5-3 hours with a current of 15 amperes from a household power supply voltage of 110 volts ^[17] or voltage of 230 volts for 1.5 hours from the mains. A five-meter charging cable located in the trunk was standard equipment ^[18] .

Externally, the car did not differ much from the base Prius model of the third generation . He got a shiny trim on the front, and the headlights became smoky blue. On the right side was now the charging port hatch, all door handles were chrome plated. At the rear, the car also had a shiny trim and a charging symbol (plug) built into the emblem of the hybrid synergetic drive ^[19] .

Inside the car, five adults were located with the same comfort as in the usual Prius model. The monitor mounted in the center of the front panel was supplemented with indicators specific to the rechargeable hybrid. So, now he showed the battery level and estimated mileage on electric traction, graphically showing the approximation of the moment the engine was turned on. The driver could see how often and for how long he was driving on electricity, and what contribution to the fuel economy is made by the frequency of recharging ^[20] . The electric mode enable button was replaced by a mode switching button (HV / EV), which made it possible at any time to change the way the car moves ^[21] . Two other operating modes: economic (ECO mode) and dynamic (DRV mode) worked in the same way as in the base model ^[22] .

Placing the battery under the boot floor almost changed its volume, which was 443 liters, and with the rear seatbacks folded down, 1120 liters ^[23] . Instead of a spare tire in the trunk lay a cylinder with a sealant and a compressor. During a puncture, the cylinder was connected to the compressor and the damaged wheel, and then a special composition together with air was supplied to the wheel, pumping it and sealing the puncture ^[24] . If the wheel had to be replaced, then under the driver's seat in a special case there was an appropriate set of tools ^[25] .

The lithium-ion battery used in the model was ideally suited for a rechargeable hybrid car. It had a very high density of stored energy, was compact and quickly charged, which allowed more efficient use of the regenerative braking system. The batteries were developed by Toyota in collaboration with Panasonic. The battery capacity of the batteries was 4.4 kWh, it weighed 80 kilograms and occupied a space of 87 liters ^[26] . To service a battery of increased capacity, a larger inverter with a more powerful cooling system was installed in the system ^[17] .

The chassis of the Prius PHV was the same as the base model, but with slightly different shock absorber settings and other characteristics of rubber joints, taking into account the increased weight of the car and its other axial distribution ^[27] .

Due to the increased battery capacity, the new Prius PHV can only travel on electric traction up to 68 kilometers at a speed of up to 135 km / h ^[10] . You can bring the battery charge up to 80% from the quick charge station in just 20 minutes, when powered from a household voltage of 240 volts, the full charge time will be about 3 hours, and if you recharge the charge from the network with a voltage of 120 volts, it will take 5.5 hours ^[29] .

Externally, the new Prius PHV differs from the base model in a different front design: large volumetric elements form the grille and the ends of the bumper, vertical daytime running lights are built into them, and blocks of ultra-compact LED headlights are placed on top of the wings. In the profile view, it is easy to notice an elongated rear, a lower spoiler and new two-tone wheels. Original tail light units surround the streamlined CFRP tailgate with concave glass repeating the shape of a spoiler ^[30] . Such a door is 40% lighter than a similar aluminum door ^[31] . In general, the car became 160 millimeters longer, slightly wider and lower, although its wheelbase remained the same ^[32] .

Inside, the car has changed little, but the rear seat is made double with separate seats and a console between them ^[33] . In North America, where the car is called the Prius Prime, and Japan on the expensive versions, a large vertical 11.6-inch multimedia display is installed in the center of the front panel ^[34] . The European Prius PHV is equipped with the same 8-inch horizontal screen as the base model ^[33] .

Due to the large battery, the floor in the trunk is raised by 160 millimeters, which reduced its volume to 360 liters ^[33] . Instead of a spare tire, a puncture repair kit is stored in the trunk, the same as the previous generation model ^[35] . If the wheel needs to be replaced, then the jack is located under the rear seat, and all other accessories (jack handle, cylinder wrench and towing eye) are in the trunk ^[36] .

When driving in electric mode (EV mode), when the gas pedal is pressed sharply, the generator switches to traction and now two electric motors (Dual Motor EV) generate torque on wheels, providing intensive acceleration ^[37] . In addition, the North American Prius Prime by pressing an additional button (EV auto) can be switched to increased return mode, in which the gas engine is more often connected, allowing the car to move more dynamically ^[38] . In contrast, in the European Prius PHV, an additional city mode (City mode) limits the power of the electric motor, and the gasoline engine is turned on only as a last resort, all to save fuel ^[39] . At any time by pressing the HV / EV button, the car can be switched to hybrid mode (HV mode), which, as before, uses gasoline and electric engines. If you keep this button pressed, then the generator will forcefully start to recharge the battery while driving ^[40] .

The power of the doubled lithium-ion battery is now 8.8 kWh, it occupies a space of 145 liters and weighs 120 kilograms ^[41] . A special heating system allows maintaining the battery operating temperature in the cold season ^[42] .

Good handling of the car is provided by a specially tuned suspension. It uses special front and rear springs and shock absorbers and a more powerful front stabilizer ^[43] .

Of the features of the car, it is worth noting the optional solar panel on the roof. Under the most favorable conditions, one day of charging from it can increase the mileage of an electric vehicle by about 6 kilometers. Electricity generated by the panel is first accumulated in the intermediate battery, and then, if the car is standing, it is transferred to the main traction battery. If the car is moving, then the electricity goes into a regular 12-volt battery and is used to power auxiliary electrical appliances. ^[44] .

The car itself can be used as a source of electricity to power household appliances in the country or in places of emergency. Fully charged with a charged battery, it can produce 40 kWh of electricity within four days ^[45] .

Comparing Chevrolet Volt and Prius Prime, reporters of the famous American publication Car and Driver immediately say that the Prius Prime is scary. Even surprisingly, they comment on how at such a conservative company like Toyota they could have created such an ugly car. At the same time, experts noted good visibility and comfortable rear seats, which have more seats than Chevrolet. The interior of the car is quiet, the steering is light, and the suspension is soft as a goose down. In general, the handling of the Prius Prime is like that of a minivan: soft, safe and dull. Acceleration of the car is sluggish, like a golf cart and clearly does not correspond to its status. And although the Prius Prime will not appeal to those who love a dynamic ride, the reputation of a reliable and calm car in motion can be enough for those obsessed with the economy of buyers ^[47] .

The main difference between the Chevrolet Volt is how it moves. Its controls are precise and consistent: clear feedback comes through the steering, body rolls are kept under control, and the suspension smooths out any bumps in the road well. By moving the control lever to the appropriate position, you can force the regenerative braking mode. When removing the foot from the gas pedal, the electric motor decelerates the car so powerfully that you need to press the brake pedal just before the stop. The Prius Prime has a similar mode, but it works less aggressively, forcing you to use the brake pedal more often. As for the appearance, yes, Volt looks a little rustic, but this is not a protest against taste. В результате Volt становится явным победителем и, хотя он дороже Prius Prime, дополнительные деньги не будут потрачены зря: Volt того стоит! ^[48]

Иное мнение высказывает журналист британского автомобильного издания Autocar , проехавший на Prius PHV за полгода около 15 тысяч километров. Поддерживая дискуссию о внешнем виде автомобиля, автор утверждает, что ему нравится оригинальный вид нового Prius PHV, такой низкий и солидный, с множеством красивых мелких чётко оформленных функциональных элементов спереди. Что не понравилось автору, так это надписи PRIUS PHV и PLUG-IN HYBRID на крышке багажника. Дело в том, что у многих, гибриды и их водители ассоциируются с медленной, плавной и мешающей другим ездой. На самом деле Prius PHV не медленный автомобиль. Он разгоняется до 60 миль в час (96,5 км/ч) всего за 10 секунд, его управляемость конечно не спортивная, но низкий центр тяжести и почти равномерная загрузка обеих осей позволяют ему прекрасно двигаться как по прямой, так и в поворотах. Переключать передачи не надо, а одним движением вы можете задействовать рекуперативное торможение и очень редко пользоваться обычными тормозами. Эти тормоза работают мощно, но с переменным усилием, хотя назвать их непредсказуемыми, как это было у ранних гибридов, нельзя. Prius PHV делает точно то, что вам нужно и при этом остаётся очень экономичным автомобилем.

Если подзаряжать батарею при каждой возможности, то не сложно добиться среднего расхода топлива на уровне 101 мили на галлон ^{[Комм. 4]} (2,8 л/100 км) при пробеге на электротяге в 41 %. Максимальная дистанция в электрическом режиме в городе составила 33 мили (53 км) и 25 миль (40 км) — за городом. При движении по шоссе расход топлива без усилий достигал 65 миль на галлон (4,3 л/100 км). На холоде пробег на электротяге упал до 29 миль (47 км), а расход топлива составил 93 мили на галлон (3,0 л/100 км), что всё равно здорово ^[50] .

• Toyota Prius — обзорная статья.
• Prius первого поколения
• Prius второго поколения
• Prius третьего поколения
• Prius четвёртого поколения
• Большой универсал Prius α / v / +
• Компактный хэтчбек Aqua / Prius c

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